Oral history interview with Mara Braun conducted by Barbara Tabach on September 09, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Braun discusses growing up in Puerto Rico, family life, and moving to Indiana in the 1960s. She describes summer visits to Mexico City, Mexico, meeting her husband there, and converting to Judaism. Braun talks about her experiences as a Puerto Rican Jewish convert living in Mexico City, and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1975. Later, Braun discusses how she got started in catering and opening her catering business, Le Royal Dreams. Lastly, Braun talks about her diverse clientele.
Oral history interviews with Brian Greenspun conducted by Barbara Tabach on January 10, 2018, January 24, 2018, February 21, 2018, and March 20, 2018 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. In the first interview, Greenspun discusses his parents, Hank and Barbara Greenspun, his family's ancestry, and how his family came to Las Vegas, Nevada. He recalls his childhood in Las Vegas, graduating from Las Vegas High School in 1964, and his decision to attend Georgetown University. In the second interview, Greenspun discusses the Watergate scandal, what he believes will fuel the next decade of Las Vegas growth, and development in the technology industry. He talks about the Greenspun Media Group, challenges in journalism, use of the term “fake news”, and the importance of giving young people a forum to talk about what they value. In the third interview, Greenspun recalls union demonstrations the Sands Hotel and Casino, the impact of American businessman Sheldon Adelson, and the need for balance in journalism. In the final interview, Greenspun talks about his father’s reporting on the Nevada Test Site, underground testing in the 1960s, and the early development of the Strip. Lastly, Greenspun talks about the importance of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to the city’s future.
Oral history interview with Sam Diaz conducted by Elsa Lopez on January 03, 2020 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Diaz discusses his upbringing in Chula Vista, California. He describes growing up near the United States-Mexico border and going to a school where instruction was initially in Spanish. Diaz recalls joining the United States Air Force in 2001, the impact that September 11, 2001 had on him, and being deployed to Iraq for two years. Later, Diaz talks about about difficulties he faced when readjusting to civilian life, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2007, and obtaining a job with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD). Diaz recalls the October 1, 2017 shooting and changes that the LVMPD implemented after the tragedy. He talks about adopting two children, the process of becoming a foster parent, and raising his children to speak Spanish. Lastly, Diaz discusses his goals as the chair of the Hispanic Recruitment Council with the LVMPD and the changes that are happening in law enforcement in an attempt to mirror the demographics of the Las Vegas community.
Oral history interview with Randy Garcia conducted by Laurents Bañuelos-Benitez on November 27, 2018 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Garcia discusses growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1950s and 1960s. He talks about attending Saint Anne’s Catholic School and Bishop Gorman High School, his experience as a Latino in Las Vegas, and facing discrimination because of his race. Garcia recalls graduating from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), studying business administration and accounting, and his first job in a stock brokerage firm. Later, Garcia discusses opening his own firm, the Investment Counsel Company, in 1987 and how he manages it. Lastly, Garcia talks about his involvement in the UNLV Foundation Board of Trustees, the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, the Latin Chamber of Commerce, and Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada.
Oral history interview with Joni and Yvonne Fried conducted by Barbara Tabach on February 17, 2016 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. In this interview, Joni and Yvonne discuss their upbringing and growing up in a family full of musicians. They describe living in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in the late 1950s. Joni and Yvonne talk about their parents' bakery business, Freed’s Bakery, and franchising the business throughout the city. Later, Joni and Yvonne discuss being Jewish in Las Vegas and attending Hebrew school at Temple Beth Sholom. Joni recalls working at the bakery and Yvonne talks about becoming a physician. Lastly, Joni and Yvonne describe Freed’s being recognized as one of the best bakeries in Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Melissa and Thomas Puckett conducted by Claytee D. White on July 14, 2014 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods: an Oral History Project of Ward 1. In this interview, Melissa and Thomas discuss their early life in Las Vegas, Nevada. They talk about living in the Scotch 80s neighborhood, the community, and the future of the West Charleston area. Lastly, Melissa and Thomas discuss issues in public education and the preservation of homes in their neighborhood.
Oral history interview with Patricia and Raymond Potter conducted by Shirley Emerson on June 05, 2014 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods: an Oral History Project of Ward 1. In this interview, Patricia and Raymond discuss their personal upbringings and lives prior to meeting each other. Raymond talks about his father’s employment with the Union Pacific Railroad and purchasing properties on South Fifth Street. He then recalls his father's business, Fifth Street Liquor Store. Patricia describes moving to Las Vegas in 1957 and graduating from Las Vegas High School in 1961. They talk about the impact that Howard Hughes had on the development of Las Vegas, nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site, and the Helldorado parades. Lastly, Patricia and Raymond discuss the population increase in Las Vegas, the closing of Fremont Street for renovation, and changes in the West Charleston area.
Oral history interview with Margaret Riskin conducted by Anna Huddleston on August 12, 2014 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods: an Oral History Project of Ward 1. In this interview, Riskin discusses living in Las Vegas, Nevada since 1993. She talks about moving into a home in the Scotch 80s neighborhood, her neighbors, and the home owner association for the neighborhood. Riskin describes security concerns in the Scotch 80s, experiencing a home robbery, and why she decided to relocate. Lastly, Riskin discusses community events held in her neighborhood.
Oral history interview with Ann Snavely conducted by Claytee D. White on January 08, 2015 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods: an Oral History Project of Ward 1. In this interview, Snavely discusses her upbringing in Pennsylvania and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1960s. She talks about living in Glen Heather Estates and moving to the Scotch 80s neighborhood. Lastly, Snavely describes community events in the Scotch 80s, changes in the West Charleston area, and the construction of the Smith Center for the Performing Arts.
Oral history interviews with Carolyn MacMullen conducted by Su Kim Chung on April 21, 2014 and July 07, 2014 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods: an Oral History Project of Ward 1. In these interviews, MacMullen discusses being a dancer in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Sands, Desert Inn, and Sahara throughout the 1950s. She recalls working as a dresser and describes what it is like to be backstage during a show production. MacMullen then talks about changes in showgirl costumes, the Texas Copa Girls, and her decision to stop dancing. Lastly, MacMullen discusses living in the West Charleston area and changes in Las Vegas.